People of Kenya

Kenya can be referred to as a colourful mosaic of cultures with many people from all over the continent and world migrating to this land and bringing with them their different cultures and languages.
There are 13 major ethnic groups although there are a further 27 smaller groups. Most Kenyans belong to Bantu tribes such as the Kikuyu (22 %), Luhya (14 %) and Kamba (11 %). The Luo (13 %) are of Nilotic origin, as are the smaller Kalenjin (12 %), Maasai, Turkana and others. Somalis and the nomadic Hamitic peoples (Turkana, Rendille and Samburu) live in the north; Kamba and Maasai peoples are concentrated in the south and eastern lowlands; the Luo live around Lake Victoria; Asian, European and Arab - 1 %. In total we have over 42 different communities each speaking a different language and practising different ways of life. They are the Cushitic, nilotic and Bantu speaking groups and the non- Africans:- Asians, Europeans and Arabs.

The largest social grouping are the Bantus, who are mainly agriculturalists, followed by the Nilotes who practise both agriculture and patriotism and fishing at a smaller percentage. The cushites are the smallest group, but their spread in the country is wider owing to their nomadic nature.

In 2003 Kenya's estimated population was 32.2 million; an increase of over 3 million when compared to the figure of 28.7 million people recorded during the last population census in 1999.and grows at an annual rate of approximately 1.6 per cent, whilst the life expectancy is just over 47 years.

Most of the Kenyans dwell in the rural areas, with the urban population at approximately 25 per cent. The main tribes in Kenya are Kikuyu, luhya, luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kisii, Meru, Maasai and Turkana. The rest comprise about 15 per cent of the total Kenyan population, with the one percent being non-Africans (Asians, Europeans and Arabs). The local languages still strongly exist, but swahili is the national language while English is the official language.
The people of Kenya are as diverse and contrasting as the country's landscapes. They include the Cushitic speaking nomads, Bantu speakers and the Nilotes. Together, their different cultures and traditions add to the amazing beauty of Kenya.

The Nilotes moved from the West of Lake Turkana into Kenya. The Luos migrated from southern Sudan to Uganda and settled on the shores of Lake Victoria. From there they began spreading along the shores to Kisumu and Kano plains. The Maasai moved through the plains before settling in the Rift Valley area. The Swahili people had long settled along the Kenyan Coast.

The Nilotes are split into three subgroups: Plain Nilotes represented by the Maasai, Samburu and Turkana; the River lake Nilotes, are represented by the Luo – who live near Lake Victoria; the third are the highland Nilotes represented by the Kalenjin. Some of the Kalenjin tribes include the Nandi, Kipsigis, Turgen, Keiyo, Marakwet and the Pokot. The Plain Nilotes are pastoralists and nomads mainly depending on their animals; the Highland Nilotes practice livestock and crop farming and keep animals while the River lake Nilotes depend on fish.

Some Bantu split into two groups when moving into Central Tanzania, settling between Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean. The first group migrated north forming the Taveta, Dawida and Akamba peoples. The second group moved along the Coast into the hilltops behind the north coastline, becoming the Mijikenda. The third group moved westwards and settled in the Kenya highlands, which became the Agikuyu, Aembu, Chuka, Tharaka, and the Ameru.
The Cushites of Kenya are represented by the Somali, Rendille and Oromo. They live in the northern part of Kenya.

Culture
The culture in Kenya is a mix of diverse cultures and traditions. Owing to its colonial history, the culture of the country has a strong European and Arabian influence. However, inspite of such strong foreign influences, the Kenyan culture is extremely unique and has an identity of its own.

The diverse cultures of the people of Kenya can be seen through language, food, music, beliefs, art, dance music customs, traditions and practices.

The Swahili Culture is the oldest of the country and they are known for their Taarab (slow Swahili music), the Maasai are famous for their red shukas (cloth that is tied round the body) and red ochre hair, the Akamba for their weaving while the Kisii are famous for their soap stone carvings.

The diversity is also spiced up by the different dialects spoken by the people. Swahili and English are the most spoken while different communities have their respective languages.
The culture of the country is a mix of both modern and traditional cultures. Where on one hand the different tribes of the country have maintained their unique style of clothing, music and dance, on the other hand they have also adopted the cultural patterns of modern society. Nairobi, the capital of the country, is the seat of the country's culture
The clothing is unique. It is extremely colorful and is heavily embroidered. The clothes are usually red and black in color to show their love for mother Earth. The people also love to wear heavy jewelry. Jewelry is made from colorful beads and other articled and consists of headgears, necklaces, nose rings, earrings, armlets, anklets and others.
Kenya culture is a conglomeration of diverse cultures belonging to the different tribal groups and the people of the country.

Do not leave Kenya without a Khanga or Kikoy… the all purpose wrap around cloth adorned by both men and women. It makes a truly treasurable gift. Originally made from several Portuguese handkerchiefs sewn together to make a brightly coloured cloth, the Khanga is a versatile cloth that can be worn or adapted into clothing, tablecloths, bed linen etc
4,500 years of migration in Kenya has hence led to evolution of a unique blend of cultural diversity, ranging from the Coastal Swahili and Arabic people, to a multi-racial community of Asian and European descendants together with Highland Bantus, Lake Basin Nilotes and Desert Cushites. Multi-lingual artists fluent in English, German, Spanish, Hindu, Italian and a host of other languages are available

Music
The country has its own unique style of music. Infact, it is home to different varieties of music, which include afro-fusion music, Benga music, Kenyan hip-hop and different types of folk music and tribal music. Guitars and drums are the popular instruments used in Kenyan music

Popular music in Kenya encompasses a wide range of styles of both local and international origin. In Kenya, culture is one of the crucial factors in defining music. Instruments used for traditional music include the African Drum (Ngoma), a variety of rattles and shakers, small harps, the Wandindi (a Kikuyu fiddle), and the Nyatiti, which is widely used in Western Kenya. The word Ngoma (drum) is still used to describe most forms of traditional music and dance. The music and dances in Kenya are categorized into folk, traditional and international or modern forms. The country's music and dance is an example of the country's rich and varied culture

The 1960's saw the arrival of independence, the electric guitar, and the birth of modern Kenyan popular music. There were two definite influences; from the south African Jazz and Zimbabwean 'highlife' guitar work, and much more significantly, from the West, the distinctive rumba rhythm of Congolese pop. A hybrid form of music evolved, widely known as Benga,which is fast and quite rhythmic.

The traditional and folk music have originated from the various sources, especially for the tribes. The numerous nomadic tribes of the country have played a major role towards the development of Kenyan music. The music of the country has its roots in the chants and hymns of the various tribes of the country, especially those who speak the 'Maa' language.
As far as dance is concerned, Sikuti is the traditional dance form of the Luhya in western Kenya. It is also the local name for drum. In this dance form, people sway to the rhythm of the drums, bells, horns and whistles. Both men and women participate in this dance.

Taarab is another form of traditional music of Kenya. This is more popular in the coastal part of the country. This music form has both African and Arabian influence. People dance in a rhythmic manner and sing poems in Swahili language in this particular form of dance and music.

Apart from the traditional and folk music, one can also get to hear modern music and see modern dance forms in Kenya. Guitar is used extensively in modern Kenyan music, apart from the regular drums and flutes. Modern music forms basically consist of Jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rap, afro-fusion music, and of course, the pop or popular music. Congolese pop is extremely popular over along with Zimbabwean guitar music. Benga, is a modern type of music that has emerged over here. Rap music has become extremely popular in Kenya and it has led to the birth of two unique genre of music called 'Genge' and 'Kapuka' beats. The influence of Christianity in the country has led to the growth of a unique music style known as gospel music.

Music and dances in Kenya have evolved over the years and today with westernization and foreign influence, it has become much more modern thereby making it world famous. However, the traditional music and dance of the tribes continues to attract music lovers from all across the world.

Art & Craft
The presence of a large number of tribes in Kenya, has led to the development of different art forms in the country, each distinct from the other. Art in Kenya is a rich example of the diverse and colorful culture of the country and its people. .
The art of Kenya is amply reflected through its handicrafts, apparels, jewellery, sculptures, paintings, prints and other products. As far as handicraft items are concerned, the country is known for its traditional and tribal masks, mats, baskets and other similar products.

The tribal masks are extremely popular. They are made of wood or other items and are extremely colorful. They are available in all shapes and sizes and serve as fantastic wall decorations. Some of the most popular items that re produced here and which are vivid examples of the country's unique art include Sisal baskets, elephant hair, wooden and stone figurines, sculptures, woodcarvings and others. Musical instruments made from animal hide are also extremely common over here. These instruments are beautiful handcrafted items, which are richly decorated and feature tribal designs and motifs.

Beaded jewelry of Kenya is extremely popular in the whole world. The people of the country use colorful beads to make necklaces, armlets, anklets, bangles, earrings, nose rings, bracelets and different kinds of headgear. Jewellery is also made from wood, stones, shells, silver as well as gold. They feature traditional African designs and have a high demand in the international market.

Art in Kenya is also reflected through its soapstone carvings found in the western part of the country. The Abagusii ethnic group, hand carve the Kisii stones into beautiful figures and sculptures, which are the best examples of Kenyan art.
Art in Kenya is truly unique and diverse and clearly gives a picture of the diverse culture of the country.

Religion
A large proportion of the Kenyan population are Christians found mainly outside the coastal and eastern provinces. Muslims make up some 30% of the population found in the coastal areas and in the eastern side of the country - the rest is a combination of other minority religions such as Hindus, Buddhists and those who follow their ancestral tribal beliefs

Sports
When you mention sports and Kenya, the large number of world class distance runners immediately comes to mind. Kenyans have traditionally performed well in international track competitions. Football (soccer) is played throughout the country from small villages to large cities. Tourists have a choice of sporting activities ranging from hiking to golf. Hiking is popular in the mountain regions, with guided tours available. Walking safaris offer a change from the usual game drive. Because of the potential dangers of walking in some backcountry areas, don't try this without a guide. Golf is popular in the Nairobi area, with six 18 hole courses. Other courses are located in the Rift Valley and Central Highlands.

In the coastal areas fishing is very popular. Deep sea sport fishing season runs from August to May, with assisted day trips for hire. Qualified divers can enjoy the reefs off Mombasa, with the season running from April to October. Snorkeling equipment is available at most of the coastal hotels. The Famous safari Rally is sure to thrill with leading International Drivers from Europe and Europe showcasing their talent. The rally is usually flagged off at the Kenyatta international Conference Centre

Athletics
Perhaps more than anything else, Kenya is re-known all over the world for its track and field athletes. Since the 1960s, Kenya has produced more world class athletes, more world record holders and more Olympic Medallists in long distance running than any other country. Kenya's history in Track and field goes back to 1951 when the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association was formed. Soon it became apparent that Kenya had a reservoir of talent which if tapped could produce several world Class runners.

At the Rome Olympics of 1964, Wilson Kiprugut Chuma became the first Kenyan ever to win an Olympic medal when he won a bronze in the 800 meters. At the Mexico Olympics of 1968, Naphatali temu became Kenya's first ever Olympic gold medallist when he won the 10,000m. But it was Kipchoge Keino's heroic achievement that was most memorable. Keino was at the time suffering from gallstones and participated in the Olympics against his doctor's advice. He finished second in the 5000m and in the 10,000m he collapsed with only a few laps to go. He thus opted out of the 1500m final, which was to be run the following day, only to change his mind a few minutes before the race began. He then jogged from his hotel room and arrived just in time to start the race. He won the race in style finishing 20 meters ahead of the field. Kip Keino is the only Kenyan sportsman ever to appear on the Cover of world famous sports magazine, "Sports Illustrated" (December 21 1987).

By the 1972 Munich Olympics, Kenyan athletes were now renowned. But it came as a great surprise when Kenya's 1600m relay team beat the fancied American team to win the gold medal.

Kipchoge Keino and Ben Jipcho finished first and second in the steeplechase. Perhaps the most remarkable feat ever achieved by a Kenyan was Henry Rono's 5 records in 50 days achieved in 1978 when he set a world record in every track event from the 800m to the 10,000m. As luck would have it, Ronoh was unable to parlay his talents at the Olympics, as Kenya did not participate in either the 76 or the 80 Olympics. This long layoff affected Kenya negatively come the 84 Olympics, Kenya achieved only 2 track medals : Julius Korir's gold in the 3000m steeplechase and Charles Musyoki's bronze in the 10,000m.

In 1986, John Ngugi started a legacy by winning the first of his 5 Men's Cross country championships At the 4th All Africa games in 1987, Kenya showed its track prowess by winning every men's long distance event. At the world championships of 1987, Billy Konchellah defied asthma and tuberculosis to win the gold medal in one of the most heroic performances ever. Douglas Wakihuri emerged from obscurity to win the marathon , while Paul Kipkoech beat a strong field to win the 10,000 meters.

At the Seoul Olympics of 1988, Kenya's track team won four gold medals in what was Kenya's most memorable performance. John Nugget finished nearly 100 meters ahead of the field in 5000 meters. Julius kariuki and Peter koech finished first and second in the steeplechase, Peter Rono won the 1500m in spectacular fashion, while in the 800 meters, Nixon Kiprotich and Paul Ereng gave a clinic in teamwork to ensure that Ereng won the gold medal. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Kenya completed a clean sweep of the steeplechase , led by Mathew Birir.

Susan Sirma became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic medal when she won a bronze in the 1500 meters. Samson kitur became the first Kenyan to win an medal in a sprint event when he finished third in the 400 meters. William Tanui and Nixon Kiprotich finished first and second in the 800 meters. Sally Barsosio became the first Kenyan woman to win a world title when she won the 10,000 meters at the World championships of 1997.

The 96 Olympics in Atlanta was a relative let down for Kenya, with only one gold medal by Moses Tanui who led to other Kenyans to a clean sweep. Pauline Konga won a silver medal in the women's 5000 meters. Besides dominating the track, Kenyan athletes notably John Ngugi and Paul Tergat have dominated the world cross country championships, winning the team title consecutively for more than a decade. Athletes such as Moses Tanui, Ibrahim Hussein and Cosmas Ndeti have stamped their names on prestigious marathons all over the globe such as the New York marathon and the London Marathon. Kenyan athletes have also dominated big money road races all over the globe, leading to resentments by other athletes and sponsors who tried to bar Kenyans from competing in such races.

Kenyan women who for years were unable to match the men , have come up strong with several Kenyan women winning marathons and road races all over the world. Tagla Lorupe is now the world record holder in the women's marathon. Catherine Ndereba won the Boston marathon in 2000

At the 2000 Olympics Kenya won two gold medals courtesy of Noah Ngeny and Reuben Kosgei, a slight improvement from the previous Olympics. But is was at the world Junior Track and field championships that Kenya stole the show, winning seven gold medals to finish at the top of the medals table, Kenya's best performance ever, a sign that there is still abundant talent coming through the ranks. Todate, Kenyan athletes are still top in the world athletics, earning medal both in the junior and senior track and field championships.

Football
Although Kenya cannot be classified as a "Football crazy" nation, Football (soccer) is still the most the most popular sport in Kenya. The games popularity cuts across ethnic as well as class lines. Both national and international games are followed in the papers. The World Cup brings the whole country to a virtual standstill.
Kenyan fans are also known to be very passionate about their favorite local teams especially the national team, Harambee stars. Important matches pitting the national teams are always sure to pull in crowds of close to 60,000, with millions more watching on Television.

Children can be seen in urban areas as well as in villages playing with a bundle of rags for a ball. The Kenya national football league draws teams from all over the country and is played all year round. The premier division consists of 20 teams. Each year 4 teams are promoted from the provincial Leagues to the Premier League while the four teams with the worst record in the premier league are relegated to the provincial leages..The winner of the League each year represents the country in the Africa Champions League while the runner up represents the country in the CAF cup. In addition the Moi Golden cup which is contested on a knockout basis is played annually.

The national team popularly known as the Harambee Stars consists of the best players available in the country. It regularly participates in competitions such as the CECAFA cup, The African Cup of Nations , All Africa Games as well as world cup qualifiers.

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are Kenya's most popular club teams. Matches pitting the two regularly draw huge crowds. Supporters of both teams are among the most passionate in the world.
The Kenya National Football league comprises both self supporting clubs and Institutional teams. Some of the other popular self supporting teams are Coast Stars , representing Mombasa town , Shabana representing Kisii town and Mathare United, a team from Mathare Valley, Nairobi's largest slum. Tusker, Mumias Sugar and Kisumu Telkom are among the more prominent instituional teams.

Rugby
Rugby is among Kenya's three most popular sports. The others being Football and Basketball. The game has seen a sharp increase in its popularity over the last decade or so.

The Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) is the sports governing body in Kenya. It organizes several annual tournaments for local club teams such the Kenya cup, Eric Shirley shield , Enterprise cup as well as a local sevens circuit. Also it organizes the Safari sevens which attracts participating teams from across Europe and Africa.

The Kenya Cup pits Kenya's top teams, among them Impala, Mwamba, Harlequins, Nondescripts, Mean Machine, Nakuru RFC , Mombasa Sports club and Ulinzi. The Eric Shirley shield is contested by second tier teams. The Enterprise cup is played on a Knockout basis and is contested by teams from all over the country and a couple from Uganda. Several one days' tornaments are organized by individual clubs. These include The Impala floodlit tournament which has more of a party atmosphere than a Rugby atmosphere. Other tournaments include the Rift Valley ten a side tournament hosted by Nakuru RFC and Driftwood sevens hosted by Mombasa Sports club.

Kenya like other third world countries continues to lag light years behind the top Rugby playing Nations. This is mainly due to lack of a professional league in the country and due to the fact that rugby unlike other popular sports like Football(soccer) and basketball , involves a myriad of technical intricacies which countries like Kenya are yet to master. The advent of professionalism in the game has widened the gap between Nations like Kenya and the advanced Nations such as England. Lack of a professional league means that the top Kenyan players can only play part time while training only 2 hours a day. It also means that several of the countries' most talented players quit playing early either immediately after high school or in their early twenties, due to lack of incentive. Indeed the average age of Kenya's national team is around 23/24 years.

Kenya is however more adept at playing the sevens version of the game. They have shown this at several international tournaments such as the Dubai sevens and the commonwealth games.

Basketball
Basketball has become Kenya's fastest growing sport, thanks largely to the televisation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) games in Kenya. The Kenya National League is contested by teams from all over the country. Among the top teams include Co-operative bank, Ulinzi and Telecoms.

The period of the early 1990s can be considered the golden era of Kenyan basketball. In 1994, The Kenya women's team shocked highly rated Zaire in the Semi-final of the Africa Cup and made it to the finals where they faced hosts senegal, thus qualifying for the women's world championship. That remains Kenya's best ever performance.
In 1992 KPA hosted the match vaunted continental giants, Zamalek of Egypt and won the match 90-87. Lawi Odera was in sensational form scoring 30 points. In 1994 Kenya hosted the Africa basketball championships. The managed to make it to the semi finals including a 30 point win over Algeria punctuated by a monster dunk from Ben Wanjara. Many Kenyans thought that Kenya was on its way to taking a place among Africa's basketball elite. However they were sadly mistaken as the KBF did not maintain that momentum.

It was during that period that American college coaches begun to take notice of the talent available in Kenya. Ben Wanjara managed to secure a scholarship to George Mason University. He wowed George Mason fans with his all round effort and athletic ability. Peter Kiganya was recruited by Abilene Christian University where he became a two time All American and Co_MVP of the Lone star conference. Kiganya is the only Kenya who has succeded in pursuing a long term career in professional career that has taken him to Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Rwanda, Egypt, and Argentina.

More recently there has been a trend whereby youngstars playing high school basketball (both boys and girls) have been recruited by American colleges. Among those are Collins Onyando, a product of Maseno high school who was voted the Trans-South conference freshman of the year in 2005. Whereas it encouraging to note that the standards of high school basketball have risen to this point, its is discouraging to note that once such players leave the country, they are in all likelihood lost to Kenya basketball. This is in large part due to the ineptitude of the Kenya basketball federation.

Kenya's basketball scene is however plagued by problems such as lack of finance and lack of adequate organization. We have yet to see the Kenya basketball federation come up with any initiatives that would raise the popularity of the league. Both national teams have not participated in any continental competition in ages. About the only thing the KBF seems to be interested in doing is to keep the league going.